Happy Thursday! Today I’m sharing wardrobe pieces that every woman over 40 needs. Of course, every woman is different, and we have different tastes in clothes, but these are all basic pieces and can be used every season.
All of these wardrobe pieces, I have, and I use them throughout the year. The great thing about these wardrobe pieces is you can wear them with different items in your wardrobe and create multiple outfits.
11 Must-Have Wardrobe Pieces Every Woman Over 40 Needs
1. Black Blazer
My favorite way to wear a black blazer right now is with a pair of jeans and sneakers.
Graphic Tee (I’m wearing a small)//Notch Collar Blazer (I’m wearing a small)//Kut From the Kloth Jeans (I’m wearing a size 4)//Pearl Earrings//Bracelet//New Balance Sneakers (similar option here)
Black Blazer (I’m wearing a small)//Long Sleeve Mock Turtleneck Pleated Button Blouse (I’m wearing a small)//AG Jeans (similar here)//Earrings//Black Booties (option here)//Bracelets
2. A Black Dress
I love black dresses, and I have several different black dresses for each season. When in doubt, wear a black dress!
Safari Textured Leather Wrap Bracelet // Freshwater Pearls on Orange Wrap Bracelet // Black Dress (I’m wearing a size 4) // Espadrille Wedge Sandal // Sunglasses
Mock Neck Midi Dress (I’m wearing a small)//Leopard Heels//Earrings
3. Sneakers
Short-Sleeve Top (I’m wearing a small)//AG Jeans (I’m wearing a size 28)//New Balance Sneakers (TTS)//Clear Tote Bag//Earrings//Watch//Necklace (Sold Out)//Bracelets
Graphic tee (I’m wearing a small)//Long Sleeve White Tee (I’m wearing a small)//Ag Jeans (I’m wearing a size 28)//Leopard John Sneaker (less expensive option here)//Earrings
4. White button-down
The white button-down is a versatile piece, and I recently shared this post about how it’s trending this year. Oversized button-downs work great with leggings as a more casual look.
Hipster Button Down (I’m wearing a small)//Ag Jeans (I’m wearing a size 28)//Earrings (these are sold out at Kendra Scott, so I linked to where I found them)//Bracelets//Bracelets//Necklace (similar option here)//Sneakers
White button-down (option here)//Camo leggings (option here)//Sneakers (option here)
5. A Good Pair of Jeans
Jeans are a timeless classic, and it’s important to find a pair that fits your body. Make sure you see how they look on you in the front and the back.
A good pair of jeans should be among your must-have wardrobe pieces. Dark wash jeans typically look best on us, but lighter washes are trending right now.
Button Up Blouse (I’m wearing a small) // Abby Ankle Skinny Jeans With Exposed Buttons (I’m wearing a size 4)//Earrings//Black Booties
High Low Crew Neck Sweater (I’m wearing a small)//Abby Hi-Rise Skinny Eco Jean (I’m wearing a size 4)//Dark Hickory Booties//Crossbody Bag
6. Sleek Pumps
I know every woman over 40 can’t wear pumps, but if you can wear a heel (even a small one), they can make any outfit look better, and they’re a confident booster.
I’m a huge fan of nude heels because they go with everything, and they elongate your legs.
Long Topper Coat (I’m wearing a small)//Hipster Button Down (I’m wearing a small)//Ag Jeans (I’m wearing a size 28)//Earrings //Bracelets//Bracelets//Necklace (similar option here)//Sam Edelman Heel in Maple Sugar Leather
Rain Parka (I’m wearing a size 00)//Contrast-Stitch Top (I’m wearing a size 00)//Soft Skinny Jeggings (I’m wearing a size 00)//Earrings//Scarf (not online)//Sam Edelman Heel
7. Black Leggings
This past year more than ever, leggings have been the “it” item. W
Furry Fleece Funnel Neck Pullover (I’m wearing a small)//Long Sleeve Recycled Blend Performance T-Shirt (I’m wearing a small)//High Waist Cosy Tech Leggings (I’m wearing a small)//Black Sneaker (size up 1/2 size)
Red & Black Plaid Vest (I’m wearing a small)//Cotton-Blend Tunic (I’m wearing a 00)//Faux Leather Leggings (I’m wearing a small)//Earrings//Bracelet//Leopad Print Sneakers (TTS)
8. T-Shirt
Make sure if you’re wearing it alone, it’s not too tight.
I’m a huge fan of graphic tees! Sub Urban Riot is one of my favorite brands.
Graphic Tee (I’m wearing a small)//Jean Shorts (I’m wearing a size 4)//J/Slides (size down 1/2 size)//Earrings
Graphic tees are great layering pieces.
Kindness Tee (I’m wearing a small)//Raw Hem Shorts (I’m wearing a size 28), less expensive option here//Leopard flats (sold out but options here, here, and here)//Earrings//Denim Jacket//Crossbody bag//Bracelet
9. Black Pants
Black pants are versatile, and you can easily change the look by changing your top. I recently shared a Work Wear post with a pair of black pants from Express.
Cross Neck Sweater (I’m wearing a small)//1901 Stretch Ankle Pants (I’m wearing a size 4)//Vince Camuto Heels//Earrings//Black Clutch
Be Bold Top (I’m wearing a small)//Kelsey Coated High Rise Ankle Flare (I’m wearing a size 4)//Riley Suede Pump (TTS)//Black Belt
10. Jackets
Get o T
Snap-Front Peplum Jacket (I’m wearing a size 4)//Cozy Knit Hi-Low Top (I’m wearing a size small)//Camo-Print Runway Leggings (I’m wearing a size 6//Marc Fisher Booties//Earrings//Necklace//Black Tote
Faux-Leather Topper (I’m wearing a 00)//Ruffle Front Blouse (I’m wearing a 0)//Pull-On Jeggings (I’m wearing a 00)//Chandelier Earrings//Tweed Clutch Bag//Black Heels
11. Cute Flats
Flats are comfortable and chic. I prefer a leopard flat, but I also have these Tory Burch ballet flats.
Classic Cardigan (I’m wearing an XS)//Black Corduroy Jeggings (I’m wearing a size 4)//Leopard Flats (TTS)//Charm Necklace//Ivory Tank (similar here)
Puffer Vest (I’m wearing an XS)//Plaid Shirt (I’m wearing a small)// AG jeans (I’m wearing a size 28)//Earrings//Handbag//Watch//Bracelet//Leopard flats (option here and here)
How many of these pieces do you own?
Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog. I’m also on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
Beauty For the Heart~~ If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God, you’ll be at rest. -Corrie Ten Boom
When I read this quote, the hymn Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus came to my mind. The chorus says this:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Let’s turn our eyes to Jesus!
Have a blessed day!
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Yes, I have at least 2 or more of all these. From the black pants, jackets, coats, leggings (only mine are jeggings), tees, blazers, little black dress, pumps, flats, sandals and tennis shoes too, and oh I LOVE all my boots!! These are all beautiful must haves!! I love the “look back’ photos where your hair was shorter. I love it either short or long!! You are a beautiful lady.
I absolutely love your style in fashion and what makes it even better is your outlook and inspiration on life. Thank you so much for sharing. I have always enjoyed looking at your posts.
Thank you, Donna!
Hi Cyndi!
I still love your bob haircut & would like to review your video on how you styled it. I can’t find it anywhere!! Any chance you can send it to me?
Thank you so much!
Love your style tips and examples!! The only thing I differ on is the graphic tees. I’m a bit busty and I don’t need anything to draw someone’s eyes to ‘read’ my chest!
Stay safe!
Kathy
Cyndi – check out the “You Jane” blazer on By the C
website page 3) black with leopard trim. I don’t own one of their blazers yet but the store is only a couple hours away from where I live in Canada. The blazers are made in Toronto. FYI. Thanks for your great styling tips.
Love all the different sneaker options you are wearing with many outfits. Wondering which ones do you find yourself reaching for the most? Which are most comfortable? Thanks!
Love your outfits! They inspired me to try some. I love the crop jeans with the boot cut hem! Also the black blazer outfits.
Got them all but not alot of flats being petite. I am into Vionic flip flops right now as the shoe pad I had to wear with booties this winter did an amazing job so don’t want to mess it up. The doctor recommended this brand & of course I wanted the tallest flip flop available……LOL! It is the High Tide in gold tan cork…….looks more tan as I got yesterday in the mail. Perfect for Spring! Thanks for the list & thinking of all of us! I had a friend that got me into jackets and out of so many sweaters. Love both!
I have all these must haves except the black blazer. I bought one recently but returned it because I didn’t think I’d wear it. I would add a blue jean jacket to the list. It can go with everything on your list.
I have never in my adult lifetime had a blazer or button down shirt that fit properly. I have broad shoulders, big bust, and a short torso with long arms. Help! Do you have any recommendations? It’s so frustrating not to have these wardrobe staples!!
Julie I know that some shapes may not work with the blazer or the button down. Right now the trend is oversized so that might work for you. Also a white v-neck shirt that doesn’t button all the way up might work too.
Thank you so much for this post….. the words quoted r so true….. I have such similar taste in clothes ….thx cindy greetings from ireland
I really loved this post, Cyndi! I have many of the pieces that you’ve suggested. I bought one of the black blazers that you styled last year, and still love it! It was from Amazon, very affordable and great quality. My mom always suggested that we have a LBD in our closet. For some, a navy dress or other neutral color would work just as well. I agree that most of these pieces work well together.
I have good jeans, graphic tees, flats, and black leggings…..I def need some new black pants and sleek pumps….i like the list though i have just found in the past when i have purchased some of the other items “I” just never gravitated towards wearing them and ended up giving them away.
I am not a fan of the outfit in the first picture. The blouse is lovely, and the jeans are cute, but not when paired together. The buttons on the blouse and the buttons on the fly create a line of sight that draws your eye right to the genital area. I’ve followed your blog for a long time and know that this would not be your desired result. I almost commented on this the first time that particular outfit appeared on the blog. I’m sure you are unaware of this phenomenon. I thought a long time about whether to bring this to your attention, and decided that if it were me, I would want my friend to tell me. Blessings to you for such a wonderful blog and Beauty for the Heart. 🙂
Great post. I have all but the blazer. I wish I had bought the first one styled. Sold out now of course. Oh well something to look for. I bought a cute pair of sneakers so looking forward to wearing them this Spring. You look cute in all the pictures.
I have several of these that I bought because other bloggers said I should have them, but NEVER wear them. For instance, the black blazer, I got for $5 at a Talbot’s going out of business store over a year ago. I have light hair(blond going gray} and think the black is too harsh for me. I love blazers, but just not black ones. I also have a black jean jacket that I thrifted that I don’t wear for the same reason, Any tips would be helpful. Just goes to show we are all different!
What brand is that mock neck black dress? The link looks like it’s broken.
Great post! I’m missing the blazer I often think about one but never get around to it but I like how you’ve styled it! Probably should have a dressier black pant although I do own one pair… what sunglasses are you wearing with the black dress? Black or tortoise? I’d be interested in a graphic tee post from various stores? Also I’m loving the sneaker trend just bought a cute pair from banana republic this morning! Thanks for a list I was surprised am over coat / trench coat wasn’t on the list 🤷♀️
Great post and so glad I can now pin your pics to Pinterest. I still work part time and although it’s a casual atmosphere, I get stuck in a rut and refer to your pics for outfit inspiration. When I first started following you, most of your pics were taken indoors, so we totally understand you not being able to take outdoor pics in the cold weather. We’re finally getting some winter weather in South Texas and I’ll be able to wear my sweaters again. Last we we hit a high of 80 one day.
I would add a good coat. You never know when an occasion will arise. Wearing a casual jacket or coat over a formal/semi formal dress doesn’t look nice. You may have a little strappy dress for a wedding to attend and need to wear a coat. Or a funeral.
I live in Western KY & the weather channel has heavy snow starting Monday or Tuesday for the state of KY. 😫
Great post, Cyndi. Very practical and helpful.
I have 10!!! I’m surprised because I don’t consider myself fashion savvy. The graphic tee is all I’m missing😀
I love this post. When I click on many items they are so pricey for an average middle class . Do you get all your pieces for free or severely discounted as a blogger? Could you please show some more fashion from Kohl’s, JCP, Target, Maurice’s, Macy’s ? Especially in this economy. Thanks Cindi
I wish bloggers would stop recommending black blazers and black dresses for everyone. Black can be ery harsh on women depending on their age andcoloring. There are other great neutrals like navy that are great for those basics.
Sharon, if black doesn’t work absolutely wear the color that works best for you.